In biblical terms, the concept of "exterior" often relates to the outward appearance or physical aspects of individuals, objects, or structures, as opposed to their inner qualities or spiritual significance. The Bible frequently contrasts the exterior with the interior, emphasizing the importance of inner righteousness over mere outward appearances.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the exterior of the Tabernacle and the Temple is described in great detail, highlighting the importance of these structures in Israelite worship. The Tabernacle, as described in Exodus, was a portable sanctuary with specific instructions for its exterior coverings and materials (Exodus 26:1-14). The exterior of the Temple built by Solomon was also elaborately designed, with cedar wood and gold overlay (1 Kings 6:15-22). These exteriors, while magnificent, served to house the presence of God, pointing to the greater significance of what lay within.

The exterior appearance of individuals is also addressed in the Old Testament. For instance, when Samuel was sent to anoint a new king from the sons of Jesse, God instructed him not to consider the exterior appearance: "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). This passage underscores the biblical principle that God values inner character over outward appearance.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently criticized the Pharisees and religious leaders for their focus on exterior rituals and appearances while neglecting the weightier matters of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness" . This stark imagery highlights the futility of focusing solely on the exterior while neglecting the heart's condition.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of exterior versus interior in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 4:16, he writes, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day" . Here, Paul contrasts the temporary nature of the physical body with the eternal renewal of the spirit, encouraging believers to focus on spiritual growth rather than physical decay.

Symbolism and Application

The Bible uses the concept of the exterior to teach deeper spiritual truths. The emphasis on the heart over outward appearances serves as a reminder to believers to cultivate inner holiness and sincerity. The exterior, while not unimportant, is secondary to the condition of the heart and one's relationship with God.

In practical application, Christians are encouraged to reflect on their own lives, ensuring that their exterior actions align with their inner convictions and faith. The call to authenticity and integrity is a recurring theme, urging believers to live in a manner that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel from the inside out.1. (a.) Outward; pertaining to that which is outside; -- opposed to interior; as, the exterior part of a sphere.

2. (a.) External; on the outside; without the limits of; extrinsic; as, an object exterior to a man, opposed to what is within, or in his mind.

3. (a.) Relating to foreign nations; foreign; as, the exterior relations of a state or kingdom.

4. (n.) The outward surface or part of a thing; that which is external; outside.

5. (n.) Outward or external deportment, form, or ceremony; visible act; as, the exteriors of religion.

1622. ektos -- the exterior, fig. (as a preposition) aside from ...
... 1621, 1622. ektos. 1623 . the exterior, fig. (as a preposition) aside ... apart
from. Word Origin from ek Definition the exterior, fig. (as a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1622.htm - 6k

1857. exoteros -- outer
... Word Origin cptv. of exo Definition outer NASB Word Usage outer (3). outer. Comparative
of exo; exterior -- outer. see GREEK exo. (exoteron) -- 3 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1857.htm - 6k

2435. chitson -- outer, external
... From chayits; properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular
(as opposed to sacred) -- outer, outward, utter, without. ...
/hebrew/2435.htm - 6k

2351. chuts -- the outside, a street
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition the outside, a street NASB Word Usage
abroad (2), abroad* (1), exterior (1), fields (3), large (1), open (1 ...
/hebrew/2351.htm - 6k

Whether the Will is Moved by an Exterior Principle?
... OF THAT WHICH MOVES THE WILL (SIX ARTICLES) Whether the will is moved
by an exterior principle? Objection 1: It would seem that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the will is moved 4.htm

Whether the Five Exterior Senses are Properly Distinguished?
... OF THE SPECIFIC POWERS OF THE SOUL (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the five exterior
senses are properly distinguished? Objection 1: It ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the five exterior senses.htm

Distinction Between Exterior and Interior Actions --Those of the ...
... DISTINCTION BETWEEN EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR ACTIONS"THOSE OF THE SOUL IN THIS CONDITION
ARE INTERIOR, BUT HABITUAL, CONTINUED, DIRECT, PROFOUND, SIMPLE, AND ...
/.../chapter xvii distinction between exterior.htm

Whether the Will is Moved by God Alone, as Exterior Principle?
... OF THAT WHICH MOVES THE WILL (SIX ARTICLES) Whether the will is moved by
God alone, as exterior principle? Objection 1: It would ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the will is moved 6.htm

How it was with Him on the Cross According to the Exterior Man.
... PART THE FIRST. CHAPTER III. HOW IT WAS WITH HIM ON THE CROSS ACCORDING
TO THE EXTERIOR MAN. Eternal Wisdom."When I was suspended ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter iii how it was.htm

Of the Most Excellent Exercise we Can Make in the Interior and ...
... OF THE MOST EXCELLENT EXERCISE WE CAN MAKE IN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR TROUBLES
OF THIS LIFE, AFTER ATTAINING THE INDIFFERENCE AND DEATH OF THE WILL. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xv of the most.htm

Whether the Will is Moved of Necessity by the Exterior Mover which ...
... OF THE MANNER IN WHICH THE WILL IS MOVED (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the will
is moved of necessity by the exterior mover which is God? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the will is moved 10.htm

Whether Sorrow is the Same as Pain?
... I answer that, Pleasure and pain can arise from a twofold apprehension, namely,
from the apprehension of an exterior sense; and from the interior apprehension ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether sorrow is the same.htm

Whether the Degree of Goodness or Malice in the Will Depends on ...
... Secondly, on account of the obstacles that may supervene in regard to the exterior
action, which obstacles we are unable to remove: for instance, a man intends ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the degree of goodness.htm

Whether one Man Can Teach Another?
... viii, 4). In order to make this clear, we must observe that of effects proceeding
from an exterior principle, some proceed from the exterior principle alone ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one man can teach.htm

Exterior (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (a.) Outward; pertaining to that which is outside; -- opposed to interior;
as, the exterior part of a sphere. ...Exterior (1 Occurrence). ...
/e/exterior.htm - 7k

Outward (17 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Forming the superficial part; external; exterior; -- opposed to inward;
as, an outward garment or layer. ... 5. (a.) Tending to the exterior or outside. ...
/o/outward.htm - 13k

Outside (215 Occurrences)
... n.) The external part of a thing; the part, end, or side which forms the surface;
that which appears, or is manifest; that which is superficial; the exterior. ...
/o/outside.htm - 36k

Crust (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The hard external coat or covering of anything; the hard exterior surface
or outer shell; an incrustation; as, a crust of snow. ...
/c/crust.htm - 8k

Mantle (35 Occurrences)
... The Hebrew word occurs nowhere else in Scripture. (4.) Maataphoth, plural, only
in Isaiah 3:22, denoting a large exterior tunic worn by females. (see DRESS.). ...
/m/mantle.htm - 21k

Shell (1 Occurrence)
... 9. (n.) Any slight hollow structure; a framework, or exterior structure, regarded
as not complete or filled in; as, the shell of a house. 10. ...
/s/shell.htm - 9k

Exterminate (8 Occurrences)

/e/exterminate.htm - 9k

Extent (15 Occurrences)

/e/extent.htm - 11k

Out (29154 Occurrences)
... and strict sense, out means from the interior of something; beyond the limits or
boundary of something; in a position or relation which is exterior to something ...
/o/out.htm - 9k

Outline (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The line which marks the outer limits
of an object or figure; the exterior line or edge; contour. ...
/o/outline.htm - 8k

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